Easel

ABSTRACT

An easel for supporting a framed object is disclosed. The easel includes an elongate standard which is vertically attachable to the rear of the frame by fasteners. The standard is provided with aligned slots having enlarged openings. A prop carries locking buttons cooperable with the slots so that the prop can be engaged projecting rearwardly from the standard and adjusted relative to the standard. The standard is trimmable in length to fit the particular frame and a cap covers and secures the trimmed end to the frame.

United States Patent 1 Swartz 51 May 13, 1975 1 EASEL [76] inventor: Joseph Swartz, 2908 McDonald.

Midland. Tex. 79701 22 Filed: Mar. 29, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 346,151

494,460 7/1950 Belgium 248/460 Primary E.\'aminerWilliam H. Schultz Attorney, Agent, or FirmRichards, Harris & Medlock [57] ABSTRACT An easel for supporting a framed object is disclosed. The easel includes an elongate standard which is vertically attachable to the rear of the frame by fasteners. The standard is provided with aligned slots having enlarged openings. A prop carries locking buttons cooperable with the slots so that the prop can be engaged projecting rearwardly from the standard and adjusted relative to the standard. The standard is trimmable in length to fit the particular frame and a cap covers and secures the trimmed end to the frame.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PHENTEQ QM 319??) Fi 4 Fi 5 Fi 2 EASEL The present invention relates to a support stand and more particularly relates to an easel for supporting framed objects in a position for display or for convenience of the artist.

It is common for artists to support a canvas or similar art pieces at a convenient height and position for paint-' ing or display on an easel. Conventional easels arc generally constructed having a collapsible three-legged frame which has two aligned forward legs and a rearwardly extending leg which serves as a brace. A tray is supported across the two forward legs of the frame and the painting to be supported is placed on the tray of the ease]. Sometimes a clamp is associated with the easel to secure the painting. These conventional easels are rather large and bulky and while adequately serving to support a canvas during painting, do not generally provide a convenient and adjustable support for display purposes.

The present invention provides an easel structure which is adaptable for use with almost any type of framed object as a painting, print. photograph or the like. The easel is readily attached to the picture frame and is adjustable to provide the desired tilt angle to the framed object. The frame and attached easel can be placed on any convenient surface such as a table top for display or for the purposes of working on the object. The easel of the present invention is simple, compact, and can easily be disassembled for storage or for transfer to another object. The few parts occupy very little space and no large bulky tripod structure is necessary as with conventional easels.

The easel of the present invention comprises an elongate standard member which is attachable to the rear of a conventional picture frame. A prop member carries buttons engageable in slots in the standard which serve to retain the frame in the desired position and angle. The prop is adjustable relative the standard and may be disengaged from the standard for convenience of storage. The standard is usable with a wide range of sizes of frames and may be easily trimmed in accordance with the frame size with which it is to be used. A cap member secures the trimmed standard end to the frame.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification, claims and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the easel of the present invention secured to the rear of a conventional framed object;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevation view of the easel of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the standard;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the standard;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view broken away showing the easel installed to a conventional frame; and

FIG. 6 shows the easel of the present invention supporting another type frame.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 to 5, the easel of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10 and includes vertical standard member 12 secured to the rear of frame 60 at lower fastener 62 and at upper cap member 16 by fasteners 66. Prop member 14 is adjustably engageable with standard 12 and rests on a table surface or other surface to support the framed object in place. As best seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, standard 12 has an elongate. generally rectangular body 18 having an upper section 20 and a lower section 22 of increased cross-sectional depth. Front side 26 of standard 12 is generally flat and at section 22 is provided with an elongate recess 46. Lower hole 24 accommodates a screw 62 or other type fastener in the assembled position. Aligned slots 28 and 30 extend longitudinally in the bottom surface of recess 46 separated by land portion 50. Enlarged circular openings 32 and 34 are provided at the approximate midpoint of slots 28 and 30 extending through the standard with a diameter corresponding approximately to the width of recess 46. The lower terminal edge of standard 12 is beveled converging rearwardly, at about l5 at 36 to provide clearance for the frame tilt when the easel is installed with the lower edge 36 of the standard flush with the bottom frame member.

Prop 14 has a flat forward edge 38 engageable with the rear of section 22 of standard 12. Prop 14 includes supporting leg 40 which extends at a generally obtuse angle with respect to edge 38. The rear of the prop 14 may be configured in any desired shape and is shown as being formed with a scallop to add to the decorative appearance of the ease]. Projecting from surface 38 are locking buttons 42 and 44. Buttons 42 and 44 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing between holes 32 and 34 in standard 12. Buttons 42 nd 44 each have a shank portion 48 and an enlarged head 52. The length of the exposed portion of the shank approximately corresponds to the depth of holes 32 and 34. The diameter of each of the button heads 52 is slightly less than holes 32 and 34, but a sufficient diameter to exceed the width of slots 28 and 30 in standard member 12. The height of the button heads 52 is limited so that the heads are accommodated within recess 46 and do not project rearwardly beyond surface 26 so as to interfere with the object within the frame.

The final component of the easel device is cap member 16. Cap member 16 has a generally rectangular body 56 having a recess 58. Recess 58 corresponds in depth and width to the corresponding dimensions of upper portion 20 of standard 12. Spaced apart holes 64 extend through cap 16 at opposite sides of recess 58 to facilitate mounting of the cap to the frame by screw fasteners 66 or the like. The lower pair of holes 64 in the cap accommodate mounting the cap to most conventional frames. For narrow frames, as for example of the type shown in FIG. 6, the upper pair of holes 64 may be used. However, for most applications, cap 16 can be provided with only a single pair of mounting holes 64. To hide cap 16 from view from the front, edge 68 of the cap is slightly beveled. The cap, prop and standard can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials but will preferably be wood or plastic or a combination of these materials, for ease of fabrication, economy and appearance.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the present invention will be better understood from the following description of installation of the easel 10 to a typical framed object 60. Object 60 has a peripheral frame 70 containing a photograph, canvas or other artistic display 72. Frame 70 is generally rectangular and the front surface is provided with a suitable decorative facing. The rear side of frame 70 is generally flat to accommodate the easel of the present invention. Easel 10 is installed by first vertically aligning standard member 12 along the center line at the rear of the frame with front side 26 abutting the rear of the upper and lower frame member 76 and 74, respectively. The lower edge 36 of the standard is positioned flush or slightly above the bottom edge of frame member 74. As noted above, the length of standard 12 will generally be sufficient to accommodate most frames. The standard is marked at a location slightly below the upper edge of frame member 76. Standard 12 is transversely cut at this point and the excess material discarded. The standard is then again aligned at the rear of the frame and lower fastener 62 is put in place in hole 24 to fasten the standard to the lower frame member 74. Cap 16 is placed over the upper end of standard 12 and screws 66 are placed in opposite holes 64 and tightened down. Cap 16 clamps standard 12 to the frame at member 76 and also serves to hide the raw cut end of standard 12. Prop 14 may now be engaged with standard 12. Edge 38 of prop 14 is placed against the rear of standard 12 with locking buttons 42 and 44 aligned with holes 32 and 34 in the standard. Slight pressure is placed against prop l4 and the prop is engaged with the standard. The prop is vertically moved in either direction to the desired position with the buttons 42 and 44 engaged in respective slots 28 and 30. In FIG. 5, the prop has been moved upwardly with lower button 44 abutting land 50.

The picture may now be placed on a surface for viewing or positioned for artistic work with the picture supported along the rear edge of frame member 74 and by prop 14. Should it become necessary to increase or decrease the tilt angle of the picture, this may be easily accomplished by vertically sliding prop 14 relative to standard 12. The bevel 36 eliminates interference by the standard of the rearward tilt of the frame. The locking button heads do not interfere since they are contained within recess 46. Should it be necessary to transport the picture, prop 14 can be easily removed from standard 12 by moving the prop to a position where the v buttons 42 and 44 align with the holes 32 and 34 so the prop can be disengaged from the standard.

FIG. 6 shows the prop and standard installed with a picture frame of another type. In this embodiment the picture frame 80 is of the type known as a scoop molding. It will be noted that the rear of the frame 80 is recessed inwardly so that the lower edge 36 of the standard 12 is affixed at flange 86 of the frame rather than at a location aligned with the bottom edge of the frame. The standard 12, cap 16 and prop 14 are secured in the same manner as described above. Prop 14 is adjusted downwardly relative to the standard to the desired location to obtain the proper tilt angle.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the easel of the present invention has wide applicability to frames of various sizes and shapes. The easel of the present invention can be used with art work such as canvasses stretched directly over frames. Should it be necessary to transfer the easel to another similar frame, this can be expediently done by simply removing lower screw 62 and cap 16 from the frame. The easel is attached to the rear side of the frame and no alteration in the exterior appearance of the frame is caused by installation of the easel.

Thus, it will be seen from the foregoing that the easel of the present invention provides a highly adaptable convenient stand for displaying a framed picture or other object of art work. The easel is adjustable to accommodate varying requirements and is easily installed in a matter of minutes. The device can easily be disassembled for storage or transferred to other pictures for otherreuse. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various changes. alterations and modifications, to the easel of the present invention. To the extent that these changes, alterations and modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, they are intended to be encompassed herein.

1 claim:

1. An easel for supporting an object in a frame comprising:

a. a standard having a first side carrying a vertical recess and adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of said frame, a second side opposite said first side, and a vertical slot communicating between said vertical recess and said second side;

b. prop means having a front edge adapted to engage said second side of the standard; and

0. locking means fixedly mounted on said prop means and having a shank portion of a width less than the width of said slot and a length greater than the depth of said slot and an enlarged head fixedly secured to said shank with at least one dimension greater than the width of said slot but less than the width of said recess such that said prop means can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said ease] and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the ease] in the adjusted position.

2. The easel of claim 1 wherein said first side of said standard is further adapted to engage opposite parallel sides of said frame adjacent the top and bottom ends of said standard in a vertical orientation.

3. An ease] for supporting an object in a frame comprising:

a standard having a first side adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of said frame, a second side opposite said first side, and a vertical slot communicating between said first and second sides;

prop means having a front edge adapted to engage said second side of the standard; and

locking means fixedly mounted on said prop means and having a shank portion of a width less than the width of said slot and a length greater than the depth of said slot and an enlarged head fixedly secured to said shank with at least one dimension greater than the width of said slot such that said prop means can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said ease] and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the easel in the adjusted position; and

cap means adapted to secure the top of said standard to said frame by insertion of fastener means through said cap and into said frame.

4. An easel for supporting an object contained in a frame comprising:

a. locking means comprising a shank portion having a fixedly mounted enlarged head at one end;

b. a prop member comprising an elongated portion and a front edge fixedly secured to said locking means; and

c. a standard comprising a first side adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of said frame having a vertical recess of a width greater than said enlarged head, a second side opposite said first side adapted to abut said front edge of the prop member and a 'vertical slot communicating between said vertical recess and said second side for receiving the locking means therethrough such that said prop member can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said easel and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the ease] in the adjusted position.

5. The easel of claim 4 wherein said vertical slot of the standard has an enlarged opening adapted to allow said enlarged head portion of the locking means to pass therethrough.

6. An easel for supporting a framed object comprisa. a standard having a first side carrying a vertical recess and being adapted for abutting engagement with the rear ofa frame, a second side opposite said first side. and a pair of vertical slots each with an enlarged opening communicating between said vertical recess and said second side;

b. a prop member having an elongated portion and a 

1. An easel for supporting an object in a frame comprising: a. a standard having a first side carrying a vertical recess and adapted for abutting engagement with the reaR of said frame, a second side opposite said first side, and a vertical slot communicating between said vertical recess and said second side; b. prop means having a front edge adapted to engage said second side of the standard; and c. locking means fixedly mounted on said prop means and having a shank portion of a width less than the width of said slot and a length greater than the depth of said slot and an enlarged head fixedly secured to said shank with at least one dimension greater than the width of said slot but less than the width of said recess such that said prop means can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said easel and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the easel in the adjusted position.
 2. The easel of claim 1 wherein said first side of said standard is further adapted to engage opposite parallel sides of said frame adjacent the top and bottom ends of said standard in a vertical orientation.
 3. An easel for supporting an object in a frame comprising: a standard having a first side adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of said frame, a second side opposite said first side, and a vertical slot communicating between said first and second sides; prop means having a front edge adapted to engage said second side of the standard; and locking means fixedly mounted on said prop means and having a shank portion of a width less than the width of said slot and a length greater than the depth of said slot and an enlarged head fixedly secured to said shank with at least one dimension greater than the width of said slot such that said prop means can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said easel and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the easel in the adjusted position; and cap means adapted to secure the top of said standard to said frame by insertion of fastener means through said cap and into said frame.
 4. An easel for supporting an object contained in a frame comprising: a. locking means comprising a shank portion having a fixedly mounted enlarged head at one end; b. a prop member comprising an elongated portion and a front edge fixedly secured to said locking means; and c. a standard comprising a first side adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of said frame having a vertical recess of a width greater than said enlarged head, a second side opposite said first side adapted to abut said front edge of the prop member and a vertical slot communicating between said vertical recess and said second side for receiving the locking means therethrough such that said prop member can be slidably positioned relative to said standard to adjust said easel and thereafter frictionally engage the standard to secure the easel in the adjusted position.
 5. The easel of claim 4 wherein said vertical slot of the standard has an enlarged opening adapted to allow said enlarged head portion of the locking means to pass therethrough.
 6. An easel for supporting a framed object comprising: a. a standard having a first side carrying a vertical recess and being adapted for abutting engagement with the rear of a frame, a second side opposite said first side, and a pair of vertical slots each with an enlarged opening communicating between said vertical recess and said second side; b. a prop member having an elongated portion and a front edge adapted to engage said second side; and c. a pair of locking members, fixedly mounted on said front edge, each having a shank portion of a length greater than the depth of said slot and an engaging button fixedly secured to said shank wherein said button has a diameter greater than the width of said slot but less than the dimension of said enlarged opening so that the shaft passing through said slot in cooperation with said button frictionally engages said second side to secure the easel in the adjusted position. 